Moonstone Brooch

The moonstone brooch brings a mixture of history, legend and beauty to a woman's wardrobe. Over the years, people viewed moonstone as a solid ray of moonlight, a love charm or a talisman for healing. Incorporated in jewelry as a brooch for both adornment and spiritual purposes, many available today are antiques from earlier eras when it was a popular accessory.

Moonstone originates from the orthoclase feldspar mineral family. The gem has a distinct shimmer effect called adularescence, created when the sun shines on the crystal structure. The degree of adularescence determines the value of the stone. The stones range in color from white, gray, peach and pink to yellow, blue or green. The most popular type is rainbow moonstone, which is an iridescent white or gray with a blue sheen. The gem is found in places all over the world such as Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia and the United States.

For centuries moonstone was prized for its mystical properties. The Romans believed it was earthbound moonlight and associated it with the goddess Diana. Ancient India saw moonstone as a symbol of the third eye. The Europeans believed moonstone invoked clairvoyance. In earlier times, people hung moonstone in fruit trees to guarantee a plentiful harvest season. A legend claimed that if two people wore moonstone during a full moon, they would fall madly in love. Many women wore moonstone to heal feminine problems and enhance fertility. Even today, moonstone is used for metaphysical purposes. A stone with such a legendary history would appeal to a person searching for symbolic jewelry.

Brooches were very popular during the Victorian (1840 to 1900) and the Edwardian (1901 to 1910) periods. In fact, a large number of moonstone brooches were created in the Nouveau (1890 to 1914) era, which overlapped the two periods. Art Nouveau brooch styles included flowers, insects and mermaids. Moonstone was common because of its otherworldly glow and legendary history. Platinum, gold, silver or copper were used in many moonstone designs.

Throughout the years, moonstone brooches kept appearing in jewelry stores. A significant number of moonstone pieces were created in the 1960's and 1970's. Today, you can find numerous moonstone pendants but it is slightly harder to find a modern brooch. However, many jewelry artists create moonstone pendants with pins, worn as necklaces or brooches. The modern moonstone brooch is usually made with sterling silver, copper or gold.

Moonstone brooches come in a variety of styles with different colors and metal settings. Rainbow moonstone is the most popular color used in both antique and modern pieces. Brooches often have a stickpin, a clip-on or safety catch fastenings. Antique modern brooches range in design from butterflies to dragons. Many modern brooches are moonstone cabochons set with other smaller gemstones and metals in a less structured design.

During the Art Nouveau era, women generally wore brooches at the waist. In later years, women began wearing brooches on scarves and collars. Today women wear the moonstone brooch on shoulders, collars, scarves, handbags or jeans.

Moonstone brooches are harder to find than pendants. Antique moonstone pieces are easier to find online and at antique shops than modern ones. Both costume and fine modern moonstone designs are available. Here are some retailers who sell moonstone brooches:

• Tiffany
  • Offers many brooches, including a moonstone design
• Ebay
  • Regularly lists antique and modern brooch styles made with moonstone
• Ruby Lane
  • Often features antique designs
• Go Antiques
  • Sells and auctions off antique moonstone jewelry such as brooches and pendants
• Bernadine Fine Art Jewelry
  • Sells custom jewelry, including brooches made of moonstone and other gems

Check craft shows, art fairs and museum gift shops for modern moonstone brooch designs. Many jewelry stores on college campuses also sell moonstone pendants and brooches.

Moonstone is fragile and can be easily scratched or chipped. Carefully store your brooch to avoid damage. Place your brooch in a velvet jewelry bag before you store it in the same container with other jewelry. You can also keep it in a separate small jewelry box for storage. Don’t expose moonstone to harsh chemicals such as bleach or pool chemicals. Only clean the brooch with a soft cloth. If the cloth does not remove the dirt, use a mild detergent.

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